Paint guys: Turbine style blowers?

[Sodder]

Hello all,

Looking to get into throwing some paint around on some small projects (mostly full face helmets and the like).

So far the plans were to go with a decent airbrush and airbrush compressor and then some type of mini HVLP gun for bases and clears.

I've stumbled across some people using turbine style blowers instead of air compressors for mini HVLP guns and really like the idea of using one.

Most seem to run on 120 vac and seem to be quieter than big compressors.

I just moved across country but I didn't come with my compressor from home. So I would like to avoid doubling up on tooling if I don't have to. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to purchase? Or am I being silly?

I am a complete noob with regards to painting so any information would be helpful. Are their any sites with some basic complete setup ideas?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mgilde13]

They're not necessarily "mini" but these are the one's that I sell.

http://3mcollision.com/products/paint-application/mobile-refinish-equipment?limit=all

 

[Steevo]

This is the HVLP turbine pump setup I have, and it is a great unit. Air is warm coming out too, which aids in maintaining paint consistency.

http://www.gleempaint.com/hvlp2600.html

 

[54FordPanel]

I was considering a TP Tools setup for awhile. It's just alot of coin to put down to buy their turbine unit (not compressor) and their specific gun, when I already had a compressor....so I just bought a Devilbiss gun set up.

http://www.tptools.com/dg/59_HVLP-Turbine-Paint-Spray-Systems-and-Guns.html

If I had a little more resources, I might have gone that way.

 

[Sodder]

Well, I went ahead and bought a compressor.

Thanks for your help though. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions regarding the rest of the setup.

I appreciate the help.

 

[rburke65]

Well what did you buy? And for the TP Tool turbine Hvlp owners, do we like the unit?

 

[Zeke]

I can't comment about TP, but I have had an HVLP turbine and Wagner gun since 1990. At one time I used it daily for an acrylic enamel process. They are great as portables. The finish can be less than perfect and I don't think I'd want to paint helmets with one. Maybe the primer. Real fine atomization was a problem. Maybe they have gotten better.

 

[Sodder]

I bought the Lowes compressor everyone here is raving about. I go to pick it up today.

6.2 CFM at 40 psi, but it's only a 30 gallon tank so I will still need a mini gun (I think, besides I will only be shooting small stuff).

Once I get my stuff from back home I will link the tanks together so I can get a bit more volume, but that is a long way down the road.

As for a review on the spraying, that will be a while. This is the first piece of the puzzle and I'm not one to go around spending ALL of my money at once. Just most of it.

 

[CARS]

Back in the late 80's, early 90's I worked at a body shop that had Criox Turbine system plumbed right into the paint shop (would support 2 guns operating at the same time).

That was probably the first HVLP system available. The shop owner bought it for paint material savings (which it did save compared to High Pressure guns).

Did it work, sure.

Fast forward 20 years. Spray guns like Sata, Devilbis, Iwata, etc. save materials and lay paint down soooo much better than a turbine gun designed 25 years ago. Yes, the warm turbine air does help in cold temps, but in all honesty you shouldn't spray anything much below 70 degrees.

Just my 2c